Self-assessment
A. In Boxes
Some online classes will require you to submit various kinds of computer files—such as Word documents or JPEG images—as part of your homework. While your instructor might be willing to accept those files as hard copies and/or via email attachments, the CATE system has a tool called the In Box for submitting files, and most teachers will want you to use that method to turn in homework. Using the In Box involves the following steps:
- Click on a Nav Bar button (or other link) that leads to an In Box page.
- Read the instructions there.
- Enter your username and password.
- Click the "Choose File" button.
- Browse and select the file you want to upload.
- Click the "Upload File" button and the file will be uploaded to the server.
- If any problem occurs during the upload, you'll receive a warning and explanatory message onscreen.
- When your upload is successful, you will see a notification screen.
- If your instructor has configured the In Box to do so, you'll also receive an email receipt for your upload.
Please note the following:
- The system will automatically prepend your name to the name of the file you upload. For example, file.doc would become washington_george_file.doc.
- The system will not allow you to upload a file to an In Box directory with the same name as a file you've already uploaded to this In Box. If you need to upload it again, you must give the file a different name before doing so.
- In order to be successfully uploaded, the name of a file can only contain letters, numbers, periods, dashes, and/or underscores.
- In order to be successfully uploaded, the name of a file cannot contain blank spaces.
- In order to be successfully uploaded, the name of a file must end with an appropriate extension (such as .html, .doc, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif and so on).
- In order to be successfully uploaded, the name of a file cannot begin with a period.
B. Word documents, PDFs, and other files
Although most content delivered via the CATE system utilizes HTML format (webpages), instructors may choose to present some class materials as documents such as PDFs, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, etc.
Accessing such files will generally require an appropriate helper application. For example, PDF files require that you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or a similar PDF viewer (which comes preloaded on many computer systems). For more information, see this Handbook's chapter on basic software.
Depending on your OS, your browser, your browser settings, and the specific helper application being utilized, clicking on a link to a non-HTML document will usually do one of the following:
- Display the file in your current browser window
- Open a new browser window and display the file there
- Launch the appropriate helper application and load the file
C. Audio and video content
Instructors may offer audio and/or video content, such as podcasts, as part of the class materials. When receiving an audio or video broadcast via the Internet through your browser, a "helper" application automatically launches to handle the file and provide an interface through which you can control the sound and image. The file format of the audio or video (plus your local browser settings) will determine what software application will play the files. You might need to download software to play the files. In all cases, free software will be available on the Web for you to download. Look for directions provided by your instructor as to what player you will need.
In the CATE system, Real audio and Real video are the recommended formats for instructors to use. These include .ram, .rmm, .ra, .rax, .rv, .rvs, .rm, .rmx, .rmvb, .rmd, .rmj, and .rms files. If your instructor is using a Real format, you will need to have the RealPlayer on your computer. The RealPlayer will also play mp3, mpg, mpeg, m4a and QuickTime files. Other common formats instructors use are QuickTime and Windows Media Format.
See this Handbook's chapter on the Internet for more information about downloading and using audio/video players.
D. Accessing password-protected documents
Your instructor might choose to protect some or all class pages and documents by requiring you to enter a valid username and password before you can access those materials. Depending on how the instructor goes about this, you might need to enter your username and password on multiple occasions. Again, depending on circumstances, your username and password might or might not be case-sensitive. (For example, if you chose the username johnsmith, then entering JohnSmith probably won't work.) Therefore, you should capitalize (or not) exactly as you did when you created your username and password.
If you don't remember your exact username and password, use the password reminder page.
E. More resources
CATE homepage
F. Self-assessment
Take the self-assessment quiz to ensure you're comfortable with all the concepts and skills in this chapter. The quiz will open in a new browser window, and after submitting the quiz you'll immediately see your score.
Practice exercise: Practice downloading and opening various kinds of files (use safe computing practices!) to make sure you're comfortable with the process.
